Social Worker – QE Hospital

QE Hospital Social Worker 6 month contract.

Be the bridge between hospital and home for Gateshead residents.

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.

Join a dynamic and purpose-driven Hospital Discharge Team at the QE Hospital, where your expertise as a Social Worker will make a difference every day. In this fast-paced role, you will play a vital part in supporting Gateshead residents to transition safely and effectively from hospital to home or onward care, using trusted assessments and person-centred approaches. Working at the heart of multi-agency collaboration, you’ll assess needs, manage risk, and shape tailored care solutions that promote independence, dignity, and wellbeing.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and proactive practitioner who values partnership working, and delivering high-quality, strengths-based social work.

• Carry out strengths-based assessments with adults and their carers across a range of settings, including hospitals, community environments, and residential or nursing placements. You will use trusted assessment approaches and Care Act principles to identify needs and achieve positive outcomes.
• Undertake specialist assessments where required, including mental capacity, best interests, and risk assessments, ensuring all work is compliant with relevant legislation such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Manage a dynamic caseload, prioritising effectively to meet competing demands and responding to urgent referrals as part of duty responsibilities.
• Review care and support arrangements to ensure continued eligibility, appropriateness, and value, adapting plans as individuals’ needs and circumstances change.
• Develop and coordinate tailored care packages that promote independence and choice, including the use of Direct Payments and Self-Directed Support, while ensuring effective use of resources.
• Lead and contribute to multi-agency working, chairing meetings such as case conferences and safeguarding discussions, and working collaboratively with partners to deliver joined‑up support.
• Support learning and development within the team by sharing your knowledge and contributing to the progression of students, newly qualified social workers, and colleagues.
• Maintain high professional standards, adhering to Social Work England requirements, keeping accurate records, and committing to ongoing professional development.
• Work safely and responsibly, ensuring compliance with health and safety policies while delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

• Social Work qualification…